Are there any constraints on the programming languages used to develop the system?

Specification of particular programming languages must be reconciled with tool support and available skills. Time to market is increased if either tools or skills are unavailable.

Platform support

What platforms must the system support?

Which operating system versions must be supported?

Is Web access required? If so, then which Web browsers and versions must be supported?

Will the system be ported to new platforms in the future (over and above those explicitly stated for the system)?

Development for a single platform shortens the time to market. It also allows closer integration with platform features.

Development for multiple platforms lengthens the time to market. Close integration with platform features is lessened, increasing system maintenance. However, deployment on new platforms is quicker.

Resource limits

Are there any limits on the use of system resources, such as memory or hard disk space?

The more constrained the available resources, the more efficient resource use is required. This increases time to market and lessens maintainability.

Standards compliance

Are there any standards to which the system must conform? This may include coding standards or a user interface style guide.

Use of available standards can decrease time to market and improve consistency in a number of system areas.

Interface Requirements

Requirement

Questions

Impact

External systems

Are there any external systems with which this system must interface? Consider both provided and required interfaces.

The greater the sophistication of the interface to external systems, the longer the time to market, and the greater the long-term maintenance cost.

Interface formats

Are there any constraints on the nature of the interface between this system and any external system, such as the format of data passed between these systems, and any particular protocol used?

The greater the sophistication of the format of interfaces, the longer the time to market, and the greater the long-term maintenance cost.

Physical Requirements

Requirement

Questions

Impact

Shape

Are there any constraints on the shape of the hardware used to house the resulting system?

Constraints on the shape of the hardware may impose a specification of physical devices required by the system, such as storage devices or printers. The more constrained the hardware, the longer the time to market.

Size

Are there any constraints on the size of the hardware used to house the resulting system?

Constraints on the size of the hardware may impose a specification of physical devices required by the system, such as storage devices or printers. The more constrained the hardware, the longer the time to market.

Weight

Are there any constraints on the weight of the hardware used to house the resulting system?

Constraints on the weight of the hardware may impose a specification of physical devices required by the system, such as storage devices or printers. The more constrained the hardware, the longer the time to market.